Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov announced on Monday that Russia is in contact with the leaders of many African countries, after the temporary suspension of its participation in the Black Sea Grain initiative
Bogdanov was quoted by Russian news agency Tass as saying “of course, we are in contact with the leaders of many countries, in particular, African countries, which need support in terms of food supply and fertilizer.”
Russia would continue to support African countries after suspending its participation in the grain deal, noted the official, who also serves as the Russian president’s special representative for the Middle East and Africa.
Moscow had suspended its participation in the international agreement for the transport of grain from Ukraine after a drone attack and announced on Sunday its withdrawal “until further notice” from ship inspections.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative (ICMN), concluded on July 22 in Istanbul, had allowed the liberalization of Ukrainian exports of wheat and maize, which had been hampered by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
The agreement, which covers a period of 120 days, was due to expire in the second half of November.
According to a UN count, nearly 390 ships left Ukrainian ports on October 26, and took the humanitarian maritime corridor bound for Turkey.
The ships in question transported nearly 8.9 million tons of grain and agricultural products from the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhne.